Remember the television series called Kids Say the Darndest Things? In recent times, it was is an American comedy series hosted by Bill Cosby... first aired on CBS as a special on February 6, 1995 then as a seasonal from January 9, 1998 to June 23, 2000. It was based on a popular feature of Art Linkletter's radio show House Party and television series, Art Linkletter's House Party, which aired five days a week from 1945 to 1969. I know, most of us have to really scratch our heads to pull those memories back to the surface.
The premise of the show was very simple. The host would ask a question to a child, usually under the age of 10, who would usually respond in a very "cute" way. The show sometimes would "flashback" to Linkletter's show, showing kids of that generation, the 50’s and 60’s, with their same "cute" reactions to whatever Linkletter would ask or say to them.
It was good humor and some really interesting insights into the way children in their innocence see adults and adult behavior in the world around them. As adults, the responses of our children should make us step back and consider the way we act, react and interact with everyone we encounter.
Here are some interesting thoughts from children on Love and Marriage... and maybe even a bit of sound advice coming from the hearts of innocence.
How do you decide who to marry?
You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming. Alan, age 10
No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you find out later who you're stuck with. Kristen, age 10
What is the right age to get married?
Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then. Camille, age 10
How can a stranger tell if two people are married?
You might have to guess based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids. Derrick, age 8
What do your mom and dad have in common?
Both don't want any more kids. Lori, age 8
What do most people do on a date?
Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough. Lynnette, age 8
On the first date, they just tell each other lies, and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date. Martin, age 10
When is it OK to kiss someone?
When they're rich. Pam, age 7
The law says you have to be 18, so I wouldn't want to mess with that. Curt, age 7
The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do. Howard, age 8
Is it better to be single or married?
It's better for girls to be single, but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them. Anita, age 9 (bless you child)
How would you make a marriage work?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck. Ricky, age 10
What exactly is marriage?
Marriage is when you get to keep your girl and don't have to give her back to her parents Eric, age 6
When somebody's been dating for a while, the boy might propose to the girl. He says to her, I'll take you for a whole life, or at least until we have kids and get divorced, but you got to do one particular thing for me. Then she says yes, but she's wondering what the thing is and whether it's naughty or not. She can't wait to find out. Anita, age 9
How did your mom and dad meet?
They were at a dance party at a friend's house. Then they went for a drive, but their car broke down. It was a good thing, because it gave them a chance to find out about their values. Lottie, age 9
My father was doing some strange chores for my mother. They won't tell me what kind. Jeremy, age 8
Is it better to be single or married?
I don’t know which is better, but I’ll tell you one thing. I’m never going to have sex with my wife. I don’t want to be all grossed out. Theodore, age 8
You should ask the people who read Cosmopolitan Kirsten, age 10
It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need somebody to clean up after them. Anita, age 9
It gives me a headache to think about that stuff. I'm just a kid. I don't need that kind of trouble. Will, age 7
And you thought you knew what your kids were thinking.
Until next time....
